There was just something in the air Wednesday night that wasn't going to let North Park lose its home opener against Concordia University Chicago.

After the Vikings dropped the first two sets, they roared back to earn a 21-25, 15-25, 25-7, 25-18, 17-15 victory over the Cougars in dramatic fashion.

What was most impressive about NP's comeback victory was the quick adjustments they made from the first two sets into the final three. That couldn't have been more evident than in the third set when the Vikings broke a 6-all tie with a 15-0 scoring run to take a commanding 21-6 lead. Freshman Darby Switzer was at the forefront of the Vikings' run as she reeled off six service aces, including three in a row as she finished with eight total in the match.

North Park's attack was fierce and hungry in the latter stages as well. With the combination of kills from Monalisa Fasavalu (17), Hayley Brake (11), Sa'Vone Williams (9) and Abigail McKowen (5), North Park excited the lively crowd with monstrous plays and lengthy

volleys to keep their hopes of a comeback alive.

After NP's third set transformed the match, it was evident the momentum has switched in the hosts favor. North Park opened the fourth set just as strong, overcoming an early 14-10 deficit with a 14-3 scoring run to nearly finish out the set. Concordia closed within six at 24-18, but North Park ended it with a hitting error to force the decisive fifth and final set.

Although Concordia seized control early in the final set, North Park kept its poise and used its versatility to overcome the deficit. With CUC leading 3-1, North Park fought back to tie the set at 5-5 on a kill from Fasavalu. Concordia pushed ahead once again at 10-8, but again North Park responded to tie the set at 10-all on a hitting error. The Cougars did push North Park to brink by closing within match point at 14-11, but a quick Vikings' turnaround sparked a 6-1 run to close out the match.

Along with her eight service aces, Switzer dished out 37 assists while both Williams (14) and Alexis Clay (10) added double-digit digs. Kaylyn Anderson led Concordia with a match-high 27 kills.

North Park (2-7) returns to action this weekend when it competes at the Aurora University Invite.